Data Processing Cycle

To derive information from data, all data processing follows the same basic flow, input, processing and output. These three steps are related with each other.

1- Input: It describes the process of capturing data and getting it into a form that computer can understand. Three steps are involved in the input.

• Collection: First of all the raw data is collected.
• Verification: Data is checked to determine whether it is accurate and complete and whether it should be included for processing.
• Coding: This step translates the data into machine-readable form so that it can be entered into data processing system. Data punched on to IBM card is one example of coding.

2- Processing: Once all the data has been input, it shall be processed, which involves several types of manipulations.

• Classification: Data can be organized according to characters that are meaningful to the user. For instance, at the bank, the amount of each transaction can be classified as a deposit and withdrawal, loan or payment.
• Sorting: This involves arranging data into a particular sequence to facilitate processing. For instance, sorting the bank deposits according to account no will speed up processing. Sorting can also be performed on names as well as numbers or the people attending the aerobics class can be sorted alphabetically by last names.
• Calculating: Data can be figured arithmetically or logically e.g calculation may be required to determine a customer's account balance or student grade point average.
• Summarizing: A large amount of data can be reduced to a concise, usable form e.g a top management report summarizing a company's account data will help determine its profit performance.
• Storing: Data can be retained at storage mediums such as disks, tapes or microfilm to facilitate later processing or retrieval.

3- Output: Once processing is complete, the results are available for output. There are three steps involved in the output phase of data flow.

• Retrieval: The decision maker pulls information from storage for use.
• Conversion: The computer translates information into the understandable form for the user such as Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) display or a printed report, charts or pictures.
• Communication: When the right information is in the right place at the right time, communication occurs and the information has been useful.

4- Feedback: Overtime, the information provided through processing may lose its effectiveness. It may cease being accurate, timely, complete, concise or relevant.
Feedback is the process of evaluating the output and adjusting the input or processing steps in order to ensure that processing results is in good information. For data processing to occur electronically, four hardware components are necessary input devices, a central processing unit, output devices and media for secondary storage.